NRA fights push for background checks on Nevada gun purchases

CARSON CITY, Nev. — The National Rifle Association is using its muscle to fight a Nevada ballot question that would create a universal background check for gun purchases in the state.

The association announced last week that its lobbying arm, the Institute for Legislative Action, launched a website encouraging people to vote against the measure, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

If passed, background checks would apply to private sales, including online and at gun shows.

The association says the measure is poorly written, costly and would make criminals out of law-abiding citizens.

An attendee looks at Smith & Wesson M&P15 MOE Mid rifles at a Las Vegas show. The NRA is encouraging people to vote against a measure to create a universal background check for gun purchases in Nevada.

(Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Nevadans for Background Checks is pursuing the measure that supporters say closes a legal loophole to keep criminals from obtaining firearms. The measure made it onto the Nov. 8 ballot after legislators failed to pass it during the 2015 session.

New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg funds Everytown for Gun Safety, which donated $2.9 million of the $3.6 million contributed to Nevadans for Background Checks.

The NRA has criticized the involvement of the Bloomberg-funded group. “The law-abiding gun owners of Nevada need to know that Question 1 would cost them their money and their freedom,” spokeswoman Catherine Mortensen said.

Everytown for Gun Safety, which is funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, gave $2.9 million to Nevadans for Background Checks.

(JUSTIN LANE/EPA)

Nevadans for Background Checks spokeswoman Jennifer Crowe said the measure is endorsed by the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers and supported by over 50 leaders in the state.